Pulsed intense electron beams produced in high voltage hollow cathode discharges

Intense pulsed electron beams with remarkable parameters can be produced in high voltage, low pressure hollow-cathode glow discharges. A comparison of the electron beams produced in pseudospark and preionization controlled open ended hollow cathode (PCOHC), both in multigap geometry, is made. The same investigation methods are used: fast shutter photography on the beam induced plasma in the drift space and electrical measurements. The dependency of electron beam parameters on external capacity, gas pressure and breakdown voltage is discussed.